Waltham Forest News, Issue 153, January 11, 2016

5.2 MB·English

by  Waltham Forest London Borough Council

What’s on
See centre
Your guide to activities, clubs and events pages
in the borough
Your Council keeping residents informed
Issue 153 11 January 2016
www.walthamforest.gov.uk @wfcouncil
Become a WALTHAM FOREST carer
Dear Resident,
For many of us, the start of a new year brings the-clock support and all the training they need, along with up
to 60 per cent off their Council Tax bill, a professional fee for
with it an opportunity to look ahead, to make
their work and an allowance for each child they foster to meet
exciting plans and set ourselves new goals to all their needs.
achieve. But sadly, not everyone will be going
Yes, being a foster carer is a challenging role, but as you will see
into 2016 with such confi dence and certainty.
by turning the page and reading some fi rst-hand experiences,
it’s also incredibly rewarding. So, if you’re interested in becoming
The simple truth is there are young, vulnerable children out there a foster carer, or even if you just want to fi nd out a little bit more
whose futures aren’t so easy to predict. That’s why we’re asking about what’s involved, we would love to hear from you.
you to take a moment to think whether you might be able to
transform a child’s life by becoming a foster carer and providing
them with a loving and caring home.
Councillor Mark Rusling
Last year, we embarked on a campaign to recruit 70 foster Cabinet Member for Children and
carers over the next three years, and as well as receiving a large Young People Waltham Forest Council
number of enquiries, some local residents have already opened
their doors to a young person in need.
However, our campaign is far from over, and we still very much
need potential applicants to come forward. Looked-after children
benefi t immeasurably from the support provided by a foster
carer, and in return for their help, foster carers are given round-
www.fosteringwalthamforest.co.uk
CASE
WALTHAM PAM’S STORY
COMMENDED FOREST’S
STUDY
“I have been a foster carer
OFSTED
TRAINING FOR
for 41 years. I became a foster
FOSTER CARERS IS parent because I like and
understand children and wanted
COMMENDED BY
to give something back to the
OFSTED community. We have a busy but
‘normal’ house.
“The biggest reward of fostering for me is
preparing a child for adoption. Whenever I
have handed a child over it has been heart
breaking but after a couple of days I am ready
* CHILDREN’S PHOTOS to start again with another child. There are
ARE OF MODELS, NAMES lots of challenges but you get through them. For
CHANGED TO PROTECT
eexxaammppllee,, oollddeerr cchhiillddrreenn oofftteenn tteesstt bboouunnddaarriieess bbuutt nnoo
IDENTITY
mmaatttteerr wwhhaatt tthheeyy ddoo,, yyoouu hhaavvee ttoo ssttaayy ccoonnssiisstteenntt aanndd lleett
them know that you still care for them. I often fi nd that a few weeks pass and
I realise they have stopped a negative thing they were doing.
“I foster with Waltham Forest because I signed up with them a long time ago and
I am committed to them. They respect their foster carers and we are fi nancially
rewarded and given support day and night. We now receive up to 60 per cent off
our council tax and discounted GLL leisure membership for the whole family. We
also receive up to £445 per week. It is recognised that we are doing work for the
community.”
“MY CARER IS FIRM
BUT FAIR
AND SHE IS THE BEST
THING YOU COULD EVER WISH FOR.
SHE IS CARING AND HELPFUL.”
EVE, AGED 7
“SHE LET ME HAVE MY
OF WALTHAM
FOREST CARERS BEDROOM THE WAY I WANTED
STATE THAT THEY
IT.
ARE SATISFIED THAT TRAINING SHE TRIES HER BEST TO MAKE ME
PROVIDED TO THEM HELPS FEEL AT HOME. MY PHONE AUTOMATICALLY
THEM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
CONNECTS TO THE WIFI, HOME IS WHERE
THE CHILDREN THEY FOSTER
THE WIFI AUTOMATICALLY CONNECTS.”
NAEEMA, AGED 16
www.fosteringwalthamforest.co.uk
What’s on
See centre
Your guide to activities, clubs and events pages
in the borough
Your Council keeping residents informed
Issue 153 11 January 2016
www.walthamforest.gov.uk @wfcouncil
New Years’ Honours list
Local people scoop awards in
Shining a spotlight on sport Turn to
the New Year’s Honours list, with Page 12
two OBEs and two knighthoods
coming to Waltham Forest
Two inspirational teachers, a education.
world-renowned choreographer Elaine joined Whitefi eld in 2011
and a musical superstar from and has worked in special education
Waltham Forest have all scooped for nearly 35 years.
awards in the New Year’s Elaine said: “I am immensely proud
Honours list. to have received this award, which
Choreographer and director, is shared with the many dedicated
Matthew Bourne, who was born people I have worked with over the
in Walthamstow and attended Sir years.”
George Monoux College, has been Meanwhile, the Executive
awarded a knighthood for services to Headteacher of Walthamstow’s
dance. Hillyfi eld Primary Academy, Steve
Sir Matthew is regarded as the Lancashire, has been given a
UK’s most successful choreographer knighthood for services to education.
and director. He is a fi ve-time Olivier Sir Steve said: “My passion for
Award winner, and the only British learning and education was instilled
director to win the Tony Award for by my parents. They taught me to
both Best Choreographer and Best believe in myself and in the power of
Director of a Musical. education to change lives and bring
Sir Matthew said: “This news opportunity.”
has come as a great surprise, but Finally, Blur frontman Damon
I couldn’t be more thrilled and Albarn, who was born in Fillebrook
honoured to be recognised in this Road, Leytonstone, was awarded an
way. I would like to thank all of OBE for services to music.
my colleagues, friends and loyal Damon attended George
audiences.” Tomlinson School, and while his
Executive Principle of Whitefi eld family moved when he was nine, The Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy at Leyton Youth Centre – one of many
Academy Trust, Walthamstow, Elaine Leytonstone had a lasting impact sport and leisure activities supported by Waltham Forest Council – hosted the
launch of a new Government sports strategy last month
Colquhoun, has been appointed on him. His 2014 album ‘Everyday
an Offi cer of the Order of the British Robots’, recalled his childhood in
Empire (OBE) for her contribution to Leytonstone.
Walthamstow Town Centre Drop-in Events
Walthamstow is changing. We will be holding a drop-in exhibition in | 02077291705
January to outline forthcoming town centre projects. For more | [email protected]
information on drop-in exhibition dates please refer to page 3. | www.shapingwalthamforest.co.uk
SHAPING a BOROUGH FOR EVERYBODY
www.shapingwalthamforest.co.uk
News
2
Shop Front design guide
n  Council launches consultation about
its draft Shop Front Design document
n  Supplementary Planning Document
looks to give guidance to shop
owners
Cabinet Member for Economic Waltham Forest Town Hall Complex
Growth and High Streets, told (Forest Road, E17 4JF.)
Waltham Forest News.
“We’re keen to support retailers
who are considering making More info
alterations to their shop fronts by
To view the document, visit
providing clear advice on how to
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/
achieve a high quality, attractive
shopfront. To respond online,
In 2013 Waltham Forest Council won the London Planning Award shop front, with a cohesive look visit walthamforest-consult.
for its shop front project in Leyton High Road along the street while retaining limehouse.co.uk/portal.
individual characteristics.” Alternatively, you can submit
The consultation runs between your comments by email to
Residents and business owners An SPD is a document produced criteria around proposed changes Friday 8 January and Friday 19 urbandesign@walthamforest.
are being asked to have by the Council to help its Planning to shop fronts. February, with the document gov.uk or by post to Design
their say on Waltham Forest Committee make decisions about “Shop fronts make a huge available to view electronically, at and Conservation, Room G08,
Council’s new draft Shop Front proposed changes to properties difference to the appearance of our Waltham Forest Libraries during Sycamore House, Waltham Forest
Design Supplementary Planning in the borough. In this case the borough, as we have learnt over a normal opening hours, and in the Town Hall Complex, Forest Road,
Document (SPD). Council wants to agree a set of number of years,” Cllr Clare Coghill, reception of Sycamore House at the E17 4JF.
In my opinion Katie Robinson
Resident, Walthamstow
Happy New Year! 2016 is here cupboard such as tinned tomatoes, herbs in freezer bags or with oil in Over ripe bananas get used in katielovescookingE17@gmail.
and here is my food resolution: chickpeas, lentils, stock cubes, ice cube trays. I chop and freeze banana bread and other fruit can com.
I want to spend less and waste pasta, rice, dried herbs, olives ageing fruit to make smoothies or be made into a yoghurt cake or fruit The recipes mentioned above
less this year. As a food blogger, and garlic. I later combine these ice lollies and we always freeze ‘kebabs’. (and many more) can be found at
and mum of two, I have already with fresh ingredients, including bread. It can be toasted straight from I buy my fruit and veg locally, so www.katielovescooking.com.
been trying out simple ways to vegetables, cheese, crème fraiche or frozen, defrosted in 40 minutes at we only buy what we need and Also check out local resource
do this, and it has been easier fish, to make meals. room temperature or 30 seconds in waste less. Plus it’s nice to see www.welovelowcostliving.
than I thought. Here is a round- I often cook big meals to last two the microwave. Leftover cheese is ‘wonky’ veg! wordpress.com and www.
up of what has worked best days. Dishes such as bolognese, grated and frozen. I hope you find these ideas lovefoodhatewaste.com. Turn
so far for my family. I hope you pasta bake, fish pie or cottage pie all Near the end of the week I always useful. If you have any tips of to p10 to see Katie’s Lentil Ragu
might find it helpful, too: reheat well. check what food is left and get your own to share, I would love to recipe.
I plan the meals we are going to I organise the fridge, putting creative. I might make pasta sauce; hear them. You can email me at
eat for the week before I go food things that need eating soon nearer vegetable stew with sausages
Want to have your say?
shopping. This helps avoid impulse the front. If I am not going to use or pulses; a stir fry with salted
buys! We also buy the cheapest something in time, I make sure I peanuts and sauce; omelette; soup; If you live or work in Waltham Forest, have something you’d like to get off
options available for tinned food, freeze it. You can freeze food right vegetable gratin or roast spiced your chest, and can do it in around 350 words; Waltham Forest News wants
pasta and rice. up until it reaches the ‘use by’ date. vegetables topped with a poached to hear from you. Email [email protected] and tell
I keep long-life staples in the You can also store leftover chopped egg. us what you’d like to write about.
Waltham Forest News
Editor: Jenny Singh Advertising and promotional Their inclusion does not mean that
enquiries: the council endorses the company or
Waltham Forest News wants to
Mica Marshall 020 8496 3000 (press 6) product being advertised.
hear from people in the local
[email protected]
community. If you have a story Waltham Forest News is produced using
that you’d like us to cover, email Waltham Forest Council does not trees from sustainable managed forests
walthamforestnews accept responsibility for the content where more trees are planted than
@walthamforest.gov.uk or phone of any non-council advertisements in felled. Please recycle Waltham Forest
020 8496 3000. Waltham Forest News. News when you have finished with it.
Waltham Forest News is published fortnightly by London Borough of Waltham Forest with a print run of 110,000 copies delivered
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The official independently audited free letterbox delivery of Waltham Forest News is 96,794, ABC Regional Dec 2013 to Dec 2014
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Sounding out the public
In brief
Lea Bridge
Walthamstow has gone through With key sites such as The the potential changes to their Lane, E17 7HA) on Saturday 30
a lot of change recently, with Scene already helping to transform town centre. They will also gather January between 11am and 5pm. Road news
a cinema returning to the Walthamstow Town Centre, the the views of local residents by Walk and talk events will start
borough for the first time in a Council is keen to understand contacting them directly and from The Mall on Saturday 23
The latest works as part of the Mini-
decade, the Travelodge hotel what other developments would be holding a series of pop-up events, January at 2pm and from The Mill
Holland programme have begun on Lea
opening and the arrival of a welcomed by local residents. exhibitions and walk and talk on Saturday 30 January at 2pm.
Bridge Road, on the section between
range of popular restaurants at The AAP is the key plan for the events throughout January.
Hackney and Lammas Road. If you’re
The Scene at Cleveland Place. future of the town centre, guiding Exhibitions will be held in The travelling in the area you might notice
The Town Centre Area Action and shaping its development. The Mall (45 Selborne Walk, E17 machinery on site, fences being put up
More info
Plan (AAP) outlines the prospect Council has been using it for 12 7JR) on Saturday 23 January and trees being removed to prepare the
of much more change to come months and it provides the basis between 11am and 3pm and in To contact Soundings phone site for the work. The trees are being
and accordingly, Waltham Forest for ongoing discussions – not least Walthamstow Library (High Street, 020 7729 1705 and ask for removed following a survey which
Council has engaged a team with those living in the area. E17 7JN) on Tuesday 26 January the Walthamstow Town Centre assessed their age and health and the
of specialists to make sure that Soundings are the firm of between 11am and 3pm and on team. For more information, Council has confirmed it is looking at
residents are fully aware of the engagement specialists who have Wednesday 27 January between email walthamstowTC@ planting more trees in the future.
plans, and have the opportunity to been brought in to help make 3pm and 7pm. They will also be soundingsoffice.com or visit www. • For further information and
give their views. sure that local people understand held at The Mill (7-11 Coppermill shapingwalthamforest.co.uk. regular updates, visit www.
enjoywalthamforest.co.uk
Council getting tough
Freddy Randall
Plaque
Influential British jazz trumpeter Freddy
on rogue landlords Randall has been honoured with a blue
plaque at his former home in Old Church
Road, Chingford. Freddy was born in
Clapton but lived in Chingford for many
years. He started his first professional
band in 1946, appearing regularly at
attention to enforcement action. A the Cleveland Rhythm Club at Cooks
series of operations to crackdown Ferry Inn, Edmonton. The sessions have
on rogue landlords trying to buck the earned a place in British jazz history. The
system is planned throughout the National Jazz Archive, based at Loughton
coming year. Library, has worked with Waltham Forest
Rogue landlords that are either Council for several years to identify the
refusing to apply for a licence or residences of jazz musicians who lived in
have no intention of meeting the the borough and install blue plaques.
conditions required to ensure their • For more information, visit www.
nationaljazzarchive.org.uk.
tenants are housed in appropriate
conditions are being targeted as part
of a campaign of enforcement.
Leyton
Landlords found without a licence
will be subject to enforcement action
Jubilee Park
that could result in a prosecution and
an unlimited fine. Once in possession
survey
of a licence, landlords that do not
comply with the conditions of licence
could also be subject to an unlimited Residents are being asked to help
fine. improve Leyton Jubilee Park by taking
part in a short online survey. You can tell
If you are the landlord of a private
us what you like about the park, why you
rented property in the borough and
visit it and what can be done to make
The Private Rented Property Licensing scheme aims to improve have not yet got a licence, then you it even better. A drop-in consultation
housing standards in Waltham Forest have been warned – the Council’s
event will take place on Wednesday
Private Rented Property Licensing
27 January between 3pm and 8pm, at
team will be knocking on doors near
the Park Pavilion (Seymour Road, E10
Since the introduction of worked hard to get the message “With the discount, the cost you soon.
7BL). Come along, speak to members
its Private Rented Property out to landlords that they need to worked out at less than a pound
of the dedicated team that looks after
Licensing scheme last year, the obtain licences for their properties,” a week, so financially the scheme the park and let us know your thoughts
Council has been working hard explained Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, really doesn’t make a difference More info and ideas. The results of the survey and
to help landlords understand the Cabinet Member for Housing. to their business. So far we have consultation event will be used to help
To apply for your licence, visit
need to get a licence and comply “We even offered a half price ‘early issued around 15,000 licences form a new Park Management Plan for
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/
with conditions. bird’ discount for a five year licence and are processing a further 2,000 Leyton Jubilee Park.
prpl. As well as a link to the forms,
The scheme requires all properties to those landlords that signed up applications, which shows that • To take the survey, visit www.
there is also detail of the ‘required
that are privately rented in the before the middle of June. What decent, responsible landlords walthamforest.gov.uk/ljpconsultation.
information’ and other details
borough to be licenced, with a we’ve found is that the vast majority understand the need to sign up.” Free internet access is available at all
available. Free internet access
separate licence required for each have been quite willing to work with With the scheme up and running Waltham Forest Libraries.
is available at all libraries in the
and every property. “We have us and sign up their properties. the Council is now turning greater 3
borough.
Priorities
4
Leader’s New Year message
Last year saw great progress made towards meeting residents’ priorities,
with the Council working hard to make sure that everyone can enjoy living
life in Waltham Forest. Here, Council Leader Chris Robbins talks about
some of the Council projects completed in 2015 and a taste of what we
can expect in 2016
Despite 2015 being another recognising their work with Lea Bridge Station In addition, visitors will have and buggies easy access to the
challenging year due to ongoing Waltham Forest Council and access to an extreme sports zone centre of the park. This autumn
financial constraints, there Islington and Shoreditch Housing with a climbing wall, dance studios, will also see hundreds of new trees
was still plenty of reason to Association. a new gym and changing facilities planted at Leyton Jubilee Park to
celebrate. Hill scooped awards for and both wet and dry health and create a mini forest.
Hundreds of thousands of you ‘Best Partnership Scheme’, wellbeing spa areas. The centre will Work will also begin this month to
turned out for the Council’s ‘Get ‘Best Brownfield site’ and ‘Best also have 1m and 3m diving boards improve pedestrian safety around
Together’ events programme, Development’ and went on to win and an outdoor floodlit artificial the Marsh Lane entrance. The
pupils at Walthamstow’s Willowfield an additional four awards, including sports pitch. Council will install bollards and
Humanities College moved into ‘Best Medium Housebuilder’ and Waltham Forest Leisure Centre planters and paint double yellow
a brand new building following a the top prize of ‘WhatHouse? promises to be the jewel in the lines to stop cars parking illegally,
£25million Council-funded project Housebuilder of the Year’. crown of the Council’s ambitious and the car park will be marked out
to build a bigger and better Bringing a cinema back to the Lea Bridge Station will open multi-million pound leisure centre with new accessible parking bays
school and an additional £1million borough has been one of my key this year investment programme. Once for disabled drivers.
was spent to deliver yet more objectives for many years, and the finished, it will be a landmark leisure You can also have your say on
improvements to the borough’s restaurants have proved equally as Regeneration doesn’t get much venue for residents and visitors what you like about the park, and
parks and green spaces. popular. But the effect goes further bigger than opening a railway alike – rivalling the biggest and best how you think it could be further
We think Waltham Forest is a than that, with the whole evening station, and having trains stop at centres in London. improved, by taking part in a short
special borough with lots to offer, economy of Walthamstow given a Lea Bridge Road for the first time And most importantly, we hope online survey. The results will be
which is why we’re committed huge boost and is something that in 30 years will have an enormous the many different facilities on offer used to help form a new Park
to doing all we can to make it a we want to build upon. impact on people living in the area. will draw in people of all ages and Management Plan Turn to p3 for
brilliant place to live, work and Getting passengers back on the of all levels of fitness – providing a further details.
study. The Council wants to ensure EMD pub trains that pass between the two perfect environment for them to get
everyone can enjoy a good quality travel and employment hubs that active, healthy and happy. Reassuring residents
of life here in Waltham Forest. are Stratford City in one direction The creation of Waltham Forest Recently, Waltham Forest has hit
There will be plenty to look and Tottenham Hale in the other Leisure Centre is part of the the headlines for the wrong reasons
forward to over the next 12 has been a 15 year vision for the Council’s multi-million pound leisure with the picture painted by the
months. I would like to wish Council. centre investment programme, media far removed from residents’
residents a healthy, happy and The station closed in 1985 which has already delivered daily experiences of living in the
prosperous 2016. and in that time has fallen into newly-refurbished centres in borough.
disrepair, but thanks to £5million Chingford, Leyton, Leytonstone Waltham Forest is one of the
The Scene from the Council, £1.1million from and Walthamstow. most diverse areas of the country
There was a big welcome for the Department for Transport in one of the most diverse cities on
Yum Yum as it became the final and £5.5million from Section 106 Leyton Jubilee Park earth, and 87 per cent of residents
restaurant to open its doors at contributions it has been possible In the coming months, you can think that it is a place where people
The Scene at Cleveland Place to see the route reopened. expect to see a host of further of different backgrounds get on
alongside Turtle Bay, Pizza Express, It is estimated the new station will improvements made to Leyton well together.
Nando’s and Grillstock. The award- service up to 352,000 passengers Jubilee Park. We are proud of the work that
winning Thai restaurant opened in a year by 2031. we do in bringing people together
November and is already proving particularly with our schools
popular. Enjoy beer from Walthamstow’s Waltham Forest Leisure and believe that it is essential in
Hill Housing Group, the own Wildcard Brewery at the Centre supporting a strong community
EMD pop up pub
developers of The Scene, received The Council continued to where people from all walks of life
recognition at the WhatHouse? The foyer of the EMD cinema in make significant steps to improve get on well together.
Awards in Nocvember 2015 – Walthamstow was converted into leisure facilities in 2015, with the
included a partnership award a pop-up pub – ‘Mirth, Marvel and construction of Waltham Forest
Maud’ – by its new owners, Antic, Leisure Centre continuing apace.
in December 2015. Scheduled to open in 2016, the
In the run up to Christmas scores modern, two-storey facility, which More info
of residents took the opportunity has a footprint measuring 5,500m²,
to check out this amazing grade will be the borough’s premier state- For more information on Council
2* listed space, with the building of-the art sport, health and fitness Leader, Chris Robbins, visit www.
having being closed to the public facility – and one of the largest walthamforest.gov.uk/leader.
for more than a decade. leisure centres in the capital. You can read his latest blog
Checking progress on new entry and sign up to receive the
There continues to be a longer It will boast a range of facilities paths at Leyton Jubilee Park
Leader’s e-newsletter. You can
term aspiration to bring the building including a 25m, eight-lane
also sign up by emailing leader@
back into use, and the Council competition pool, teaching pool, Construction of a new network
walthamforest.gov.uk and using
is expecting Antic to submit four-court sports hall, an activity of paths began in October 2015,
‘sign up for leader’s e-newsletter’
a planning and listed building room/studio and a soft play area for which includes an access ramp
Yum Yum became the final as the subject. Free internet access
restaurant to take residence application in the coming months. children. leading from the riverside to give is available at Waltham Forest
at The Scene in November wheelchair users, mobility scooters Libraries.
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/priorities
COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2015-2018
Priority:
Keep your neighbourhood clean and safe
Commitment:
• Provide neighbourhood offi cers who will work with the community to keep your streets clean
• Establish an anti-social behaviour team to help keep our streets feeling safe
• Continue to collect your bins every week, provide a free bulky waste service and prosecute fl y-tippers
Clean and • Deliver an anti-gangs programme in partnership with the police to provide our young people and their families
with a positive future
safe
Priority:
Help build a strong local economy and thriving
town centres
Commitment:
• Support our schools and colleges to provide top quality education and training across the borough
• Work to improve our town centres so that they have the quality mix of shops and services that you want
Local • Actively promote a borough wide ‘spend local’ campaign to keep wealth in our borough and support local
businesses
economy
• Provide an investment fund for local businesses and services in our town centres
Priority:
Support affordable housing for everyone’s needs
Commitment:
• Deliver a private sector landlord licensing scheme which benefi ts tenants by improving standards and makes
the area better for those who live around them
• Build new council homes for Waltham Forest residents in work
• Encourage new houses to be built where they can deliver prosperous communities with access to the local
Housing services and infrastructure they need
• Build more specialist houses which allow older residents to stay in a home of their own with the support they
need to be independent
Priority:
Help all of our residents enjoy a good quality of life
Commitment:
• Freeze Council Tax until at least 2016 and continue to fund the freedom pass scheme
• Provide young and older residents with a range of activities and support such as free swimming, holiday
clubs and Christmas lunches
• Support an extensive arts and events programme for everyone, via the Council and in the community
Family
• Maintain high quality parks, green spaces and affordable, modern leisure centres
Our core duty is to keep vulnerable adults and children safe and healthy, ensuring that they
have dignity and choice in their lives. This crosses all responsibilities and services.
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/priorities
6
In brief
A new law requires all dog
owners to microchip their
pets by Wednesday 6 April.
The Council is offering free
microchipping to help make
it easier
Free dog
Empty commercial premises can become a target for squatters,
microchipping
so make sure your business is secure and you’re not faced with
a nightmare scenario like this. Stock photograph
Dog owners can get their pets
microchipped for free, as Waltham Forest
Council has teamed up with the Dogs Businesses warned
Trust to help residents comply with
a new law. From Wednesday 6 April
the Microchipping of Dogs (England)
Regulations 2014 will mean that all dogs
must be microchipped and registered
about squatters
to an approved database by the time
they are eight weeks old. Dog owners
must register their contact details and
keep them up-to-date on whichever
database they choose. Having your pet
microchipped gives them the best chance
of being identified and returned to you n  Owners of commercial premises warned by Council about squatters
if they are lost or stolen. Last year the
n  Recent high profile examples bring into focus the potential problems
Council successfully reunited 66 dogs
with their owners, and found new homes
for 52 pooches, thanks to the help of Commercial premises owners commissioning a specialist firm to High Road Leytonstone and were action various services, including
rehoming charities. Pictures of dogs are being reminded to properly undertake a comprehensive risk thought to be using the building for London Fire Brigade, Police, civil
that have been found are posted on the secure their businesses, assessment, isolating and shutting residential purposes for around two contingencies, building control, the
Council’s Twitter account, just follow @ following a spate of cases down the power and gas supplies years. Salvation Army, and the Council
wfcouncil. where squatters have broken and draining down water systems It is difficult to calculate the scale setting up an emergency rest centre
• If you would like to have your dog into disused buildings and set to avoid flooding. of damage that occurred over that to provide temporary overnight
microchipped, email dogteam@ up home. “Likewise, clearing the property time, but given that there were accommodation to 14 people,
walthamforest.gov.uk. Letters have been sent to owners of flammable material and installing various ad hoc alterations to the including a two-year-old child.
outlining that the basic minimum a letter box seal to prevent mail electrical system over that time The letter from the Council asks
clean-up bill for a small commercial build-up, installing other security and additional partitions added, it’s businesses to provide direct contact
Conservation property (such as a pub or three- measures such as CCTV, steel likely the cost to the landlord was details for the person who is
storey house) after it is squatted fittings on windows and doors and considerable. responsible for any empty premises
workday can be upwards of £1,500, instigating a weekly inspection of Because the owner did not to the Council’s Neighbourhoods
covering lock changes and rubbish the property. take immediate steps to remove Team so that they are aware. It also
The Highams Park Snedders volunteers clearance. “There’s even the option for the squatters, they were unable urges them to consider re-letting
group has been helping Waltham Forest This figure would increase businesses to consider applying to to take advantage of accelerated their property, which would mean
Council and the City of London carry out dramatically for larger properties or a property guardianship scheme to possession proceedings, which the business owner not having to
work to improve the local area. Twenty where greater damage has taken arrange for someone to live in your would have added at least ten pay business rates on their empty
volunteers turned up for a conservation place. It also does not take account property on a low rent fee to ensure months to the eviction process. property, and will bring benefit to
workday at Highams Park Lake on
of legal fees, which on average start its safety.” In another case at Rigg the wider community and the local
Saturday 12 December. Work included
at around £5,000. Ultimately if squatters do invade Approach, Leyton, the first floor economy.
improving access from the park to the
Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy a commercial premises it will be of a factory was converted into
lake and opening up woodland glades
Leader and Cabinet Member for the business owner that will have artists’ studios in 2012, but when More info
for spring flowers such as the wood
Environment, said, “We have been to pick up the bill to evict them a fire occurred on 28 May 2015 it
anemone. The group will be meeting If you own a commercial premises
carrying out checks on empty and repair their property, so it is in became apparent that people were
once a month to continue the work that that is currently empty or is due
properties in order to identify the best interests of the business, actually living permanently in the
they started. The word ‘snedding’ means to be vacated soon, please email
suspect premises, but would also as well as the local community, to space.
to trim boughs from tree trunks. information to the Council for the
• If you would like to get involved, like business owners to do all they do everything possible to resist The entire factory and all of its attention of Gareth Jones indicating
please email highamsparkplan@ can to protect their property. squatting. contents were destroyed by the fire the address of the premises to
gmail.com. “Things like informing insurers Recently 40 alleged squatters including the belongings of those neighbourhoods@walthamforest.
when a property becomes vacant, broke in to the TFC Supermarket, living there. The incident called into
gov.uk.
Issue 153 I 11 January 2016 7
EVERY STREET CLEANED AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK www.walthamforest.gov.uk
Envirocrime enforcers
In brief
Skin lightening
n  Cigarette butts prove the biggest issue for the Council’s team of enforcers
n  A campaign coming down hard on litterers has led to hundreds of fines cream
warning
have finished with it. the Council has already managed to
“I accept that most smokers slash by a third over the past three
Health warnings have been issued to
find a bin to dispose of their butts years.
residents and traders about the damage
responsibly. There are now special The Council spends more
that banned skin lightening creams can
sections for cigarette butts so there than £5million a year keeping
inflict. Many skin-lightening products
really is no excuse not to make use the borough’s streets, parks and
contain dangerously high levels of
of them. Plus many businesses such open spaces looking their best,
hydroquinone, mercury or steroids which
as pubs provide special bins outside so encouraging people not to litter
can result in a host of problems from
doorways. would be of huge benefit, both
skin thinning and discoloration to organ
“There is surely nothing more environmentally and financially.
damage and even cancer. The Cosmetic
disgusting than the thought of a One other feature of the new Product Enforcement Regulations 2013
small child picking up someone’s initiative involving NSL is that officers makes it an offence to distribute non-
Cllr Clyde Loakes with three of the NSL Environmental fag butt from the ground, but that’s wear bodycams that they turn on approved cosmetics. Residents should
Enforcement Officers in Leytonstone town centre exactly what happens if they are not whenever they spot a potential check that any skincare products they
disposed of properly.” perpetrator. By filming incidents buy have the required labelling, including
Recent research has revealed that and the issuing of fines, officers an ingredients’ list, EU name and address
smoking-related rubbish makes up feel safer and arguments about and batch number. The warning comes
Two months into a nine month littering and causing other enviro- more than a third of all litter. Last whether incidents occurred can be after the London Trading Standards team
trial that sees four Environmental crime in the borough’s town centres. year Waltham Forest Council officers corroborated. found banned skin-lightening products
Enforcement Officers and one However, far and away the biggest handed out 800 FPNs to people for sale across London.
Team Manager from NSL – the issue has been people throwing their caught committing enviro-crimes • Further information about
contractor that already provides cigarette butts onto the pavement. offences such as littering, fly-posting, More info the dangers of skin lightening
parking services to the borough “It’s about time some cigarette spitting and urinating in public. For more information about your products can be found at www.
– target enviro-crime hotspots, smokers learned to clean up after The initiative to work with NSL Neighbourhoods Team, visit www. londontradingstandards.org.uk.
and the big issue has been rogue themselves,” said Cllr Clyde Loakes, to address these low level enviro- walthamforest.gov.uk/mystreet. Anyone concerned about products
should report the matter to the
smokers. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member crimes was born out of a desire to To report an issue, visit www.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service on
So far the team has handed out for Environment. “It simply isn’t free up the time of Council officers walthamforest.gov.uk/report-it.
03454 040 506.
more than 1,300 Fixed Penalty acceptable to throw your cigarette to address more complex issues Free internet access is available at
Notices (FPNs) to people caught butt onto the pavement once you such as fly-tipping – a problem that all libraries in the borough.
Walthamstow Town Centre Drop-in Events DROP-IN EXHIBITION
Please come along to our exhibition to find out more on the plans for
Walthamstow is changing. Some key sites have recently been Walthamstow Town Centre and share your views.
developed and refurbished. We will be holding a drop-in exhibition
in January to outline forthcoming town centre projects.
Saturday 23 January The Mall
11am – 5pm Outside Poundland, E17 7JR
Tuesday 26 January Walthamstow Library
11am – 3pm Main Foyer, High Street, E17 7JN
Wednesday 27 January Walthamstow Library
3pm – 7pm Main Foyer, High Street, E17 7JN
Saturday 30 January The Mill E17
11am – 5pm 7-11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA
WALK AND TALKS
Take us on a tour of your local area and show us first-hand what’s important to you
(lasting approx. 1 to 1.5 hours). Please contact us to register.
Saturday 23 January The Mall
2pm start Meet at The Mall (outside Poundland). This
session will focus on The Mall, High Street,
Town Square and Hoe Street.
Saturday 30 January The Mill E17
2pm start Meet at the main entrance of The Mill. This
session will focus on the St James Street area.
SHAPING a BOROUGH FOR EVERYBODY W | www.shapingwalthamforestco.uk
E | [email protected]
www.shapingwalthamforest.co.uk
T | 02077291705
What’s On
8
including back and knee pain, arthritis, you want to lose weight, have a healthier 50+ Tai Chi our friendly free meetings. Visit www.wfda.
Sports and headaches, insomnia, depression and lifestyle and get fitter? Our new 12 week org.uk for more information.
Wednesdays, 6–7.15pm
anxiety, addictions, nausea and eating training programme can help! You’ll get
fitness disorders. If you would like to find out how a behind-the-scenes look at the club, be Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North), CAOS Quiz Night
58 Hall Lane, E4 8EU
these therapies could help you, we are trained by club coaches, have a nosy at the Saturday 16 January, 7.30pm
A relaxed class aimed at the over 50s,
offering free consultations at our Clinic in trophy cabinet and have the chance to talk Walthamstow Spiritualist Church, Vestry
Gentle Yoga focusing on improving health. Beginners
Leytonstone. Our therapists include fully tactics in the dressing room. The first hour Road, E17 9NH
Mondays 6–7pm qualified members of the British Acupuncture of the session will include healthy lifestyle welcome. £5 per week, pay on the College Amateur Operatic Society (CAOS)
The Mill, 7–11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA Council. Prices start at £25. To book a free workshops with the second hour taking door. For more information, phone are holding a quiz night. Tables are available
A gentle yoga class, great for beginners, consultation, phone [phone] or part in Walking Football. Please book in 020 8558 5512 or email e.tozer@ for teams of up to eight people. £7 per
those with health issues, newbies, or anyone email [email protected]. advance for this free 12 week course. For ageukwalthamforest.org.uk. person, which includes light refreshments.
wanting a small, friendly relaxing yoga class. more information, phone Phill Smith on New Year, New You Please bring your own drinks and glasses.
We learn simple physical poses to improve General Level Pilates 020 8556 5973 or email phillip.smith@ To book a table, phone Jean Howard on
posture and general physical and mental Thursdays, 7–8pm leytonorienttrust.org. with Yoga 07941 050 336.
well-being, with a calming relaxation to Every Tuesday, 6.15–7.30pm
Leyton Parish Church Hall, Lindley Road,
finish. £10 drop in, £9 with a loyalty card or E10 5PY Boccia – Age 65+ Leyton Sixth Form College, Essex Road, Ebooks (Kindles and
£5 for concessions. For more information, Drop-in Pilates classes for all, £10. Carnets Tuesdays, 2–3pm E10 6EQ Kobos)
email [email protected] or available – buy 10 classes and get one The Paradox Centre, 3 Ching Way, E4 8YD Sallyanne is a very experienced instructor Thursday 14 January, 10.30am–12.30pm
phone or text 07554 440 499. free. Mats and small equipment provided. Leyton Orient Trust will be running weekly who skilfully adapts the classical poses to Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North), 58
suit everybody. Come and learn to relax
Pilates can improve your strength, flexibility, Boccia sessions for men and women over Hall Lane, E4 8EU
Ashtanga Yoga and recharge while building up strength,
balance, co-ordination, bone density, reduce the age of 65. All abilities are welcome, A workshop for people aged 50 and over.
Fridays, 9.45–11.15am pain and encourage relaxation. Pilates come along have fun, keep fit and socialise flexibility, poise and peace. Beginners Ever wondered about e-books (aka kindles
The Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road, Foundation member teacher with 15 years’ with others. Sessions will be turn up and play welcome. £33 per six week term or £6.50 and kobos)? Did you know you can increase
E17 74QU experience of studio and mat work. Absolute and are free. For more information, phone to drop in. For more information, phone the size of text to make reading easier?
Fast-flowing dynamic yoga class for beginners and newcomers contact me Phill Smith on 020 8556 5973 or email 020 8520 7242 or 07952 307 455 or This session will give you the chance to
emotional and physical wellbeing. Great for first please. For more information, email [email protected]. visit www.goldenyoga.co.uk. try the latest equipment and also covers
increasing fitness, flexibility and balance, [email protected] or visit www. how to download books from the internet
with calming relaxation to finish. Please abpilates.co.uk. Walking Football – Age Clubs and as well as via the Council e-book library
bring a yoga mat. £12 drop in, £11 with a 50+ service. Cost is £5. For more information,
loyalty card or £5 for concessions. For more Chingford Folk Dance Tuesdays, 6.30 to 7.30pm and Thursdays, community phone [phone] or email e.tozer@
information, email josettayoga@hotmail. Club 11am to 12noon ageukwalthamforest.org.uk.
co.uk or phone or text 07554 440 499.
Tuesdays, 8–10pm SCORE centre, 100 Oliver Road, Leyton,
Mornington Hall, The Green Walk, E4 7EN E10 5JY Table Top Sale What’s new with
Women Only Boot
Dance styles include Playford, Country, Leyton Orient Trust will be running weekly Saturday 20 February, 10am Windows 10?
Camp
Contra and American. Beginners are indoor walking football sessions for men and Ryan Hall, St Edmund’s Church, Larkswood Monday 18 January, 10.30am–12.30pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, welcome. There is no need for a partner. women over the age of 50. Walking football Road, E4 9DS Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North),
6.30–7.15am £2 per session, refreshments included. is one of the fastest-growing, albeit slowest A table top sale in aid of the parish 58 Hall Lane, E4 8EU
Chestnuts Field, Forest Road, E17 4JF and For more information, phone [phone] sports to play. It follows many of the same magazine ‘Outreach’. Tables are available A workshop for people aged 50 and over.
YMCA, 642 Forest Road, E17 3EF 4770 or 020 8529 0229. rules as 5 a side football but is non-contact at £8 per six foot table. Payable in advance. The new Windows operating system is now
A Fun and exciting boot camp programme and no running is allowed. This is a great Cheques payable to St Edmunds. To available. Come along and see what is new
with fitness tests, nutritional screening, Wednesday Badminton opportunity to get healthy, keep fit and reserve a table, please phone Christine and what has changed. Cost is £5. For
food diary analysis, weekly accountability Club socialise with like-minded people. Sessions or Andrew on 020 8524 8729 or email more information, phone [phone]
emails and calls. Personal training in a small Wednesdays, 8–10pm will be turn up and play and will cost £3 per [email protected]. or email e.tozer@ageukwalthamforest.
group environment, guaranteed results or Trinity School, Mornington Road, Woodford session. For more information, phone Phill org.uk.
your money back. For more information, Green, IG8 0TP Smith on 020 8556 5973 or email phillip. Affordable
phone [phone] or email vibe. A social badminton club for intermediate and [email protected]. Psychotherapy in Culture
[email protected]. advanced players. New members welcome. English and Spanish
£7 per session. For more information, Symphonic Gong and Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm and crafts
Women Only Zumba
phone Adrian on 07985 161 428. Tibetan Bowl Sound Two minutes from St James Street Station
Toning
Meditation Short and long term psychotherapy for
Saturday, 10.30–11.30am BollyFusion Workout Sunday 24 January, 5–7pm individuals and couples. Sliding scale of Waltham Forest
St Andrews Church, St Andrews Road, Wednesdays, 7.45–8.30pm Leyton Yoga, 691 High Road Leyton, fees, meaning that everyone can access Community Choir
E17 6AR Maryland Studios, Leytonstone Road, E10 6RA psychotherapy. Concessions for students, Mondays, 7.30–9.30pm
Exhilarating class with loads of fun E15 1TQ This is a deeply rejuvenating evening unwaged and retired people. For more St Mary’s Church, Church End, E17 9RJ
and toning in the process. Enjoy your Is your usual workout a little mundane? of vibration and sacred sound. Gentle information, phone [phone], email We are a self-funded group open to
body changing shape while listening to Then try this exciting, energetic dance movement practices and call-and-response [email protected] or visit www. anyone living or working in the borough.
international sounds! For more information, workout that leaves you feeling amazing! mantra-chanting lead into a lush 60 minute valeriabonfiglio.co.uk. Previous singing or musical experience
phone [phone] or email vibe. BollyFusion combines exciting Bollywood immersive and meditative sound bath of is not required. We believe that singing
[email protected]. moves with street dance, to breathe new Tibetan singing bowls, symphonic gongs and The Good Life Club should be accessible to anyone and we
life into your fitness routine, all in a fun and overtone singing. Spaces are limited, so pre- Every Wednesday, 1–3pm do not audition prospective members. Our
Zumba with Zoe
friendly environment. All welcome regardless booking by email is essential. £22. For more Jubilee Hall, Greenleaf Baptist Church, musical repertoire is diverse, and includes
Wednesdays, 7.30pm of ages, abilities, new or nervous – come information, email leytonyoga@gmail. Green Leaf Road, E17 6QQ classical, traditional, folk and popular styles.
The Cornerstone Centre, 149 Canterbury along. First class free, then £6.50 per class com or visit www.leytonyoga.com. A club for the local people aged 55 and £50 per term. Currently recruiting bass and
Road, E10 6EH when purchasing a block of four. For more over. Join us for speakers, quizzes, videos tenor singers. For more information, visit
Classes are great fun, an excellent way to information visit, www.khyalarts.org.uk Therapeutic Yoga Class and social events. Entrance costs £2.50 per www.singwithus.net, email members@
keep fit, lose weight and every class feel like or email [email protected]. Every Thursday, 6–7pm person, including tea and biscuits. singwithus.net, or phone [phone].
a party. Zumba is your opportunity to express
Leyton Yoga, 691 High Road Leyton,
yourself and unleash your ‘Latin within’! £5 Football Fans in E10 6RA Adults with Dyslexia E17 Guitar Club
per class. For more information, email Training Learn to breathe better, heal injuries and Meet Up Saturdays, 12noon, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
[email protected] or visit www.
Thursdays from 21 January, 10am– reduce stress in these traditional yoga Tuesday 26 January, 6.30–8.30pm Hornbeam Café, 458 Hoe Street, E17 9AH
zumbazoe.co.uk.
12noon classes. Suitable for beginners. Classes are Quaker Meeting House, Jewel Road, Guitar playing and performing fun for adults
The Matchroom Stadium, Oliver Road, drop-in, with no need to pre-book. Cash only. E17 4QU of all abilities. Playing groups and beginners
Acupuncture and
Leyton, E10 5JY £10 or a ten-class pass for £90. A 20 per The Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association courses. Bass players welcome. Pay £52 for
Chinese Massage
Get fit, lose the belly and get behind the cent discount is available for NHS staff. For (WFDA) offers a monthly meet-up for adults a half term of six, 40 minute lessons. Playing
Acupuncture and Tiu Na (massage) have scenes at Leyton Orient FC, all for free! more information, email leytonyoga@ with dyslexia on the last Tuesday of every group drop-in, £10. For more information
been used in the East for over 2000 years Are you a man aged 35–65 years old? gmail.com or visit www.leytonyoga.com/ month. If you have dyslexia or are interested phone [phone], email chris@
to treat physical and emotional problems Is your waist size at least 38 inches? Do workshops. to know more about dyslexia, come along to e17guitar.com or visit www.e17guitar.com.